Apple unveils plans for retail growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Apple is deepening its connections with customers in Saudi Arabia, announcing a series of expansions and investments in the country. The tech giant has been making significant strides in the region, with a focus on education, development, and retail.
Apple's retail expansion includes the opening of flagship Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia, set to begin in 2026. One of these stores will be located in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The exact location of the first unique Apple store in the city of Diriyah is yet to be specified.
In addition to retail, Apple's investments in the country also extend to education. The Apple Developer Academy, which opened in Riyadh in 2021, has been a significant part of these efforts. Graduates from the academy are now publishing their apps on the App Store, catering to both domestic and global audiences.
To further enhance learning opportunities, the Apple Foundation Program will be expanded. This program, which focuses on teaching coding and app development, with a particular emphasis on gaming, has already seen nearly 2,000 students complete programming courses through the academy. The coed Foundation Program was inaugurated this summer, with plans to further expand the offerings, with the next cohort planned for spring 2025.
The all-women Apple Developer Academy at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University offers training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of Apple's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive tech community in Saudi Arabia.
Earnings for developers in Saudi Arabia have seen a significant increase, with revenues growing over 1,750 percent since 2019. This growth is a testament to the vibrant Saudi developer community, which is a powerful force for economic growth, supporting jobs across the country.
Apple's retail and educational initiatives build on the company's existing investments and activities in the country. Apple has spent over 10 billion SAR with companies across Saudi Arabia over the past five years.
In terms of everyday use, Apple Pay is now available for use on the new metro in Riyadh, and users can also use Express Mode to tap and pay for transit with an iPhone or Apple Watch. Customers can also look forward to Apple's online store, set to launch in Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, offering Apple's full range of products in Arabic.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, expressed his excitement about the company's expanding presence in Saudi Arabia, stating that it provides an opportunity to connect with customers in new and meaningful ways. Apple offers unique and personalized experiences for customers online, in-store, and in the Apple Store app. Customers can compare products, choose from various financing options, and get device setup help with Apple's team members.
This retail and educational expansion is a significant step for Apple in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the company's commitment to the region and its vision for the future of technology and education.
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